Vaishno Devi varsity recalls visit of people’s President

Amir Karim Tantray

Tribune News Service

Jammu, July 28

Eleven years ago on August 19, 2004, then President APJ Abdul Kalam inaugurated Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) in the lap of the Trikuta Hills in Katra town.

He also started the academic session by delivering the first lecture to the first batch of management students.

Kalam’s visit had ignited the minds and hearts of students and teachers at the university and presented a thought on how to take India forward and what his vision of India was.

At the university, the people’s President broke all protocols and barriers and had a long chat with students and teachers.

One of the faculty members, Sunil Wanchoo, who now heads the science faculty, told The Tribune that it was a lifetime experience of meeting President Kalam and attending his lecture for nearly 40 minutes.

“We were anxious that the President has to follow a protocol. He broke all barriers and shook hands with students and teachers in the classroom,” Wanchoo said.

The scheduled time for his lecture was 20 minutes, but he spent 35 to 40 minutes with students and teachers and told them what they would have to do to take India forward.

“I am not able to recall each and every detail of that day, but one thing is clear that he spelled out his vision of India and ignited passion among us as how we can play our part to make India proud,” Wanchoo said.

The passing away of President Kalam has sent a shock wave across India and the SMVDU has also expressed grief.

Remembering Kalam’s association with the SMVDU, Vice Chancellor Sudhir K Jain and other staff prayed for peace to the departed soul.

The Vice Chancellor highlighted the contributions of Kalam in nation-building and said as an intellectual he was an inspiration to an entire generation of people in the country.